Our view: A prudent pause for Greek life

FSU President John Thrasher suspends all Greek life activities on the university's campus, effective immediately.

FSU President John Thrasher announces a suspension of all Greek life activities at the university following the death of a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity member Andrew Coffey at an off-campus party Friday. (Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)

Before we get to what FSU President John Thrasher’s indefinite suspension of Greek activities was, let’s talk about what it was not.

It was not an indictment of the entire Greek system.

It was not denying anyone due process.

And it certainly was not a timid, half-measure move.

Viewing Thrasher’s actions only through the lens of “Greek life is great/Greek life is awful” is to woefully oversimplify what is happening here.

This has become a safety issue, not a social issue.

Yes, the positives of Greek life are numerous – the forming of lifelong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood; tons of community service and money raised. Oh and one more thing — parties and revelry. Those things aren’t inherently bad, it should be said.

And yes, many young people have navigated through Greek life unscathed.

But the world is changing.

Sensitivity to harassment, discrimination and safe spaces are heightened.

In that world, a social structure at least partially built on hazing and the “pledge culture” is bound to run aground.

If your position is that the Greek life you knew 20, 30, 40 years ago should be retained intact, even if that includes hazing, forced drinking and the like, you have not earned a seat at the table of discussion on this matter.

There may be forms of harmless hazing, but it’s a distinction too fine to be entrusted to young people, especially when alcohol is involved.

Dressing up emotional or physical abuse with Latin symbols, secret handshakes and toga parties doesn’t hack it in 2017. Especially when the morning after reveals a dead 20-year-old.

More: Clemson, other universities deal with good and bad of Greek life

With that backdrop, Thrasher did what good leaders do. He called a time out.

We were also pleased to see Thrasher take a transparent approach to his communication on this matter. By that we mean he faced the public and answered questions. He sat down with students and answered some more.

This approach resonates in a city where public officials making Facebook posts, videos and prepared statements is sadly mistaken as communicating with the public.